AUSTRALASIA
Australia
New Zealand
Australian Police
In 1974 the Western Australia Police established the first modern Police Air Wing in Australia, initially using leased fixed-wing aircraft and later buying its own aircraft. Several other Australian states followed suit in the 1970s, and by 1979 all the states had established a Police Air Wing. All of these units operated fixed-wing aircraft, normally based close to the state capital. In 1979, Victoria replaced its fixed-wing aircraft with a helicopter, becoming the first Police helicopter operator in Australia. It remains the only all-helicopter Police Air Wing in the country.
Rotary Wing
Fixed Wing
Aviation Resources
2023
Aerospatiale AS350B2 Squirrel
Aerospatiale AS355N Twin Squirrel
Aerospatiale AS365N3 Dauphin
Bell 412EPI
Cessna 182 Skylane
Cessna 206H Stationair
Cessna 208 Grand Caravan
Eurocopter EC135
GippsAero GA8 Airvan
MBB BK117B2
Pilatus PC-12
Australian Border Force - (Surveillance Australia)
The Australian Border Force is a Federal Law Enforcement Agency responsible for off-shore and on-shore border enforcement, investigations, detentions and customs services. Surveillance Australia is an Australian aviation company primarily engaged in servicing the Australian Border Force Coastwatch contract, flying surveillance patrols within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (AEEZ).
Fixed Wing
Aviation Resources
2023
DHC Dash-8
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police service and principal law enforcement agency of New Zealand, responsible for preventing crime, enhancing public safety, bringing offenders to justice, and maintaining public order. With about 13,000 personnel, it is the largest law enforcement agency in New Zealand and, with few exceptions, has primary jurisdiction over the majority of New Zealand criminal law. The New Zealand Police also has responsibility for traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement as well as other key responsibilities including protection of dignitaries, firearms licensing, and matters of national security.
Rotary Wing
Aviation Resources
2023
Bell 429
Eurocopter AS.355 Squirrel
RNZ Coastguard
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Today two Air Patrol units exist under the Coastguard banner presently, Auckland Air Patrol and Northland Air Patrol. Together, they responded to 30 calls for assistance and assisted 52 people in 2022/23. Previously an Air Patrol existed in the South Island. This has now been disestablished due to a lack of funding. Assistance is still able to be provided in the event of an emergency to the South Island but this is now typically provided by helicopters based out of Christchurch.
Auckland Air Patrol
Northland Air Patrol
Aviation Resources
2023
Cessna 182